Yes, you can use long life cream for cooking.
Long life cream, also known as UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) cream, is processed to have a longer shelf life than fresh cream. This makes it a convenient option to keep on hand for various culinary applications.
Here's why it's suitable and some things to consider:
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Suitability: Devondale long life cream, for example, explicitly states it is suitable for "all your cooking, whipping & pouring cream needs." Many other long life cream brands are similar.
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Applications: You can use long life cream in a wide range of dishes, including:
- Sauces: It adds richness and creaminess to pasta sauces, soups, and gravies.
- Desserts: It can be used in custards, panna cotta, and other cooked desserts.
- Baking: Long life cream is suitable for some baking recipes.
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Whipping: Many long life creams can be whipped, although the results might not be as stable as with fresh whipping cream, especially if the fat content is lower. Chilling the cream thoroughly before whipping will help.
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Considerations:
- Fat Content: Check the fat content of the long life cream. Higher fat content generally leads to a richer flavor and better whipping capabilities.
- Ingredients: Review the ingredient list for any additives that might affect the flavor or performance in certain recipes.
- Taste: Some people find that UHT processing slightly alters the taste of the cream compared to fresh cream. This is usually subtle, but it's worth considering if you're very sensitive to flavor differences.
In summary, long life cream is a versatile ingredient suitable for many cooking applications. Just be sure to check the fat content and ingredients, and be aware of potential slight taste differences compared to fresh cream.
